Elsevier

Dental Abstracts

Volume 61, Issue 5, September–October 2016, Pages 258-259
Dental Abstracts

Hands On
Electronic interference with cardiac devices

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.denabs.2016.05.022Get rights and content

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Background

Cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) such as pacemakers (PMs) and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) produce electronic pulses to stimulate the heart and thereby regulate its rate. Electromagnetic waves emitted by electronic devices can affect how these cardiac devices function through electromagnetic interference (EMI). Although today’s devices are well-shielded, dental and medical professionals know that magnetic resonance imaging machines and ionizing radiation

Methods

The laser device, electronic apex locator (EAL), optical microscope, endodontic rotary motors, gutta-percha heat carrier (GH), gutta-percha gun, and ultrasonic device were tested next to CIEDs at various settings and distances. The CIEDs included a Medtronic PM, a Biotronik PM, and a Medtronic ICD. To simulate the electrical resistance of the body, the CIEDs were immersed in a saline solution. The electronic devices were tested in horizontal and vertical positions relative to the CIED

Results

None of the endodontic devices caused EMI with the Biotronic PM, but the Medtronic PM and ICD showed various effects related to the specific equipment, CIED sensitivity, and distance between the equipment and the CIED. The rotary motors, laser device, optical microscope, gutta-percha gun, and ultrasonic device produced no EMI with any CIED, so they appear to be safe. None of the devices produces permanent damage to the CIEDs, with the EMI found in the “background noise” category.

The apex

Discussion

Apex locators and GHs caused EMI with CIEDs that varied depending on distance, type of CIED, and sensitivity setting. As a result, endodontists should turn off electronic devices that are not necessary while treating patients who have CIEDs.

Clinical Significance

The EMI caused by these endodontic devices was of a low level and produced no lasting effect on the CIEDs that were tested. However, to be safe, dentists should minimize the number of electronic devices that run during dental treatment

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Dadalti MTS, da Cunha AJLA, Araújo MCP, et al: Electromagnetic interference of endodontic equipments with cardiovascular implantable electronic device. J Dent 46:68–72, 2016

Reprints available from PA Risso, 325, 2nd Floor Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-913, Brazil; e-mail: [email protected]

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